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  • Renault Twingo

    Renault TwingoRenault Twingo will go on sale on 15 June 2007, the first new vehicle release in an extensive range renewal programme under the Renault Commitment 2009 plan. New Twingo targets a broader, more international customer base than its predecessor, and there’s even a right-hand-drive model for the UK market.

    New features include a benchmark-setting 1.5 dCi diesel engine and a high-appeal design, with the emphasis on dynamism for the GT version, and on practicality and robustness for the other versions. New Twingo rounds out Renault’s coverage of the small-car segment alongside Clio Campus, Modus and Clio III. This great little car is made at the Novo Mesto plant in Slovenia to exacting specifications on quality and profitability.

    Renault Twingo
    Renault Twingo
    Renault Twingo

    Feisty

    New Twingo expands upon its predecessor’s qualities to offer superior dynamic and safety performance. It is precise and nifty in town, yet reassuring on the open road, thanks to a highly effective axle system. With its special chassis tuning and new 100hp TCE petrol engine, New Twingo GT asserts a strong dynamic personality and boasts best-in-class trade-off between performance and fuel economy. New Twingo is uncompromising on safety, offering optimum protection for all vehicle occupants along with modern driver support equipment that was not available on the previous model. Many of these systems, such as automatic headlamp light-up and cruise control with speed limiter, are only usually found on larger, more expensive cars.

    Practical

    True to the concept pioneered by its predecessor, New Twingo has three doors opening onto four comfortable seats that accommodate passengers of any size. Quality materials and excellent finish are apparent throughout the intuitive, ergonomic passenger compartment. This eminently practical little car goes to extremes on user convenience, with its versatile layout capabilities, surprisingly spacious interior and handy stowage cubbies. The boot is the largest in this vehicle category, and some versions feature four independent sliding seats.

    Connected

    New Twingo communicates effortlessly with the outside world, with connection capabilities unparalleled in this vehicle segment. The TunePoint sound system, with steering-wheel controls, imports custom music libraries in MP3 format, on USB key, MP3 player or iPod®. There’s a Bluetooth® hands-free phone system with hold function, for safer motoring. And under the innovative “my Twingo” philosophy, motorists can customize their new cars with decorative decals for the exterior and innovative accessories like the Organizer-Box and Make-up Box for the interior.

    Reliable, economical and environmentally sound

    Respect for the environment is an inherent part of New Twingo’s genetic makeup,with CO2 emissions down below 140g/km, 9% of recycled plastic material, and production at the Novo Mesto plant, certified to ISO 14001. Regardless of the choice of engine, all New Twingo versions bear “Renault eco2”. And New Twingo is designed with meticulous attention to detail, for the lowest possible running costs and the longest possible service life: New Twingo is economical to run as well as being inexpensive to buy.

  • Hyundai H-1

    Hyundai H-1The H-1 (Domestic name: Starex), Hyundai‘s all-new business van, was introduced to members of the media on May 25th in Kyungju, South Korea. The vehicle is available in commercial (cargo) and passenger versions and fitted with the 2.5 Common Rail Diesel Injected A engine. In addition to a Euro-IV compliant engine and turbocharged intercooled engine, Hyundai now offers a gasoline powerplant option, the 2.4-liter Theta engine which delivers 175ps and 23.2kg.m of torque.

    Theta can propel the new H-1 to a maximum speed of 185km/h and boasts a fuel economy rating of 7.0 km per litre. Annual sales for the H-1 are projected to reach 115,000 units with the Korean market accounting for 65,500 units of the total.

    The Hyundai H-1 enters production in August this year.

    Hyundai H-1
    Hyundai H-1
    Hyundai H-1
    Hyundai H-1
    Hyundai H-1

  • Kia Picanto

    2007 Kia PicantoKia Motors Corporation has confirmed that the newly upgraded 2007 Kia Picanto will make its world premiere at the 34th Salon Internacional del Automovil in Barcelona, Spain on 7 June. Kia’s design teams in Korea and Europe have revisited the company’s smallest car, preserved its ‘young, sporty and friendly’ spirit, and evolved the new 2007 Picanto – a car with more glamorous looks, an upgraded interior and higher quality audio equipment.

    Attractively refreshed and restyled to be ‘more rounded and intimate’, the 2007 Picanto is 40 mm longer, with an overall length of 3535 mm, featuring an extended, rounded nose and deeper, larger rear bumper. All-new panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, front bumper and rear bumper. The front and rear light clusters are new and follow the ‘rounded’ theme.

    A new wider radiator grille, with black mesh background and twin horizontal chromed bars supporting the central Kia badge, is part of the evolving design process that is defining a new ‘Face of Kia’. The standard roof spoiler now extends across the full width of the car, while the wheelbase is unchanged at 2370 mm. Customers will be offered a choice of five new exciting, contemporary colours in a range of nine exterior colours.

    2007 Kia Picanto

    “With nearly 400,000 exports since its introduction in 2004, the Picanto has not only opened the door to a segment where we previously had no presence but it has become one of the Kia line-up’s global best sellers,” commented Yong-Hwan Kim, Senior Executive Vice President & COO of Kia Motors Corporation. “We are confident that with its fresh new looks and upgraded equipment the Picanto will continue to appeal to the world’s A-segment customers and reach annual overseas sales in excess of 130,000 units over the next several years.”

  • Roush F-150 Nitemare

    Roush F-150 NitemareWith the introduction of the 2007 ROUSH Nitemare F-150 there are destined to be plenty of other pickup drivers having nightmares about this limited-to-100 edition hauler after watching it blow by them on roads across America.

    The 2007 ROUSH Nitemare is a menacing tone-on-tone, 445-horsepower beast. Based on the standard cab version of the F-150, the power-to-weight ratio will ensure that this monster has plenty of haul.

    Under the hood is the famous ROUSHchargerTM which boosts the 5.4L, 3 valve engine to 445-horsepower and 500 lb-ft. of torque. Additional “go fast” components include intake manifolds, intercooler, radiator, and air induction system. This unit, like all the ROUSH components from a company so highly recognized for producing power, quality and performance, is covered by ROUSH’s industry exclusive 3 year/36,000 mile warranty.

    The ROUSH Nitemare will be offered exclusively in black for the 2007 model which is limited to just 100 units, each striped with a matte black design to further accent the ominous look. A ROUSH front chin spoiler and black aluminum billet grille complete the exterior styling, but the addition of the ROUSH dual rear exit exhaust system gives this truck the growl expected from such a beast.

    To further the performance of the ROUSH Nitemare, the Livonia, Mich.-based technicians install a Ford limited slip 3.73 rear axle and have increased the electronically-controlled speed limiter to 105 mph.

    Sliding into the cockpit, the ROUSH Nitemare logo is embroidered into the ROUSH custom leather seats, and is on the black ROUSH instrument cluster, where it will appropriately be lit up in red in the dark. ROUSH Nitemare embroidered floor mats, a black dash trim kit, and ROUSH billet aluminum pedals help to complete the styling.

    Only a handful of options are available on the limited edition ROUSH Nitemare, including a rear wing, hood scoop, locking lug nuts and GPS system. The ROUSH sport suspension system which lowers the truck two inches in the front and three in the rear is sure to be a popular addition to this performance vehicle. This complete kit includes ROUSH-engineered front coil springs, rear leaf springs, front sway bar and specially-valved shocks.

    Available exclusively in a regular cab 4×2 Styleside model, the 2007 ROUSH Nitemare has a suggested retail of $41,750 and is expected to be available at ROUSH-authorized Ford dealers starting in June. Each will carry a blacked-out ROUSH Nitemare fender and tailgate badges, and a unique serial number badge stating which number of the 100 that truck is.

  • Ford F-150 Harley Davidson

    Ford F 150 Harley DavidsonAmerica’s best-selling, most capable full-size pickup now delivers the horsepower to make it one of the most powerful half-ton pickups on the market. The 450 horsepower supercharged Ford Harley-Davidson™ F-150 Super Crew 4×2 hits the road this summer.

    Born from tremendous customer reaction to the F-150 performance truck concept that was on display at the November 2006 SEMA show, the supercharged F-150 packs the extra power punch that Ford truck enthusiasts have been demanding.

    “Ford is the truck leader because we pay attention to what our customers want and move quickly to meet their needs,” said Ben Poore, Ford Truck group marketing manager. “They told us they wanted a performance equipped truck so we worked with Saleen to bring the supercharged Harley-Davidson™ F-150 to market in rapid fashion.”

    The supercharged Harley Davidson™ F-150 is available in Ebony Black or Dark Amethyst with plenty of gleaming chrome, 22-inch oversized wheels and tires, and a custom scalloped stripe that runs along the beltline that creates a glued-to-the-ground appearance. “Harley-Davidson” script runs along the bedside in three-dimensional chrome letters. Blacked-out headlamps and a unique chrome billet grille give it a distinctive, bold front-end.

    Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
    Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
    Ford F-150 Harley Davidson
    Ford F-150 Harley Davidson

    Among other highlights:

    The SALEEN supercharger option is available through Ford dealers for $6500 MSRP. Base F-150 Harley-Davidson™ pricing starts at $37,210 MSRP including $925 destination and delivery.

    The twin-screw supercharger is the same style as the one in the Shelby GT-500.

    A dual-stage water-to-air intercooler increases the supercharger’s efficiency and adds performance by cooling the intake air.

    The volume from the exhaust is cranked up into a sustained growl.

    An available gauge pod with boost (PSI) and air-charge temperature (ACT) gauges monitors the system’s performance.

    The 2007 Harley-Davidson™ F-150 truck is the ninth model to emerge from a Ford/Harley-Davidson™ partnership that began in 1999. The co-branding of the two storied 104-year-old companies has proven to be a successful formula with total sales of Ford F-Series Harley-Davidsons™ of more than 60,000 units.

  • Seat Altea Freetreack

    Seat Altea FreetreackAt the upcoming Barcelona Motor Show from 7 to 17 June, SEAT will be presenting its first all-road vehicle – the Altea freetrack. After unveiling the prototype version in Geneva, which hinted at the new model’s silhouette, the definitive version can be seen in Barcelona and goes on sale this summer.

    With this model, SEAT is making its debut in the SUV segment, an area of the market which has grown considerably in recent years. The new Altea freetrack is one of the few compact monospace cars on the market featuring clear off-road styling, as well as engines that deliver up to 200 hp. This factor proves the dynamic character of SEAT’s new all-road model, whose slogan “auto emoción” works just as well on- as well as off-road.

    Exclusive off-road looks

    Based on the Altea XL, the visual enhancements on the new freetrack include protective moulding below the waistline, as well as the specific plastic front and rear bumpers. These elements lend a rugged and robust image to the new model while also protecting the body when driving off-road.

    The exterior stands out with new, exclusive design 17-inch wheels and larger diameter tyres. The Altea freetrack also has 40 mm more ground clearance than the Altea XL, making it easier for the new model to tackle any kind of terrain.

    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack
    Seat Altea Freetreack

    Top level performance

    The Altea freetrack is available with four-wheel drive via a Haldex-type arrangement with a hydro-mechanical connection and electronic control, to ensure that the tractive force is distributed permanently in a progressive and precise manner. Under normal use, power is fully transferred to the front wheels, with up to 50% being distributed to the rear wheels when the need arises.

    One of the most outstanding features of the new Altea freetrack is its engine range, with performance levels that make the new SEAT model the market’s most dynamic family-sized SUV. A 200 hp 2.0 TFSI petrol and a 170 hp 2.0 TDI diesel engine are responsible for taking the Altea freetrack over all types of terrain.

    The 2.0 TFSI engine enables the newcomer to reach a top speed of 214 km/h, with 0 to 100 km/h taking just 7.5 seconds – yet it can still average fuel consumption of 9.4 litres. On the other hand, the freetrack 2.0 TDI reaches a top speed of 204 km/h, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and consumes an average of 6.8 litres for every 100 km of driving.

    Besides these performance figures, the new Altea freetrack matches the Altea XL in terms of impressive interior space and generous load capacity. With its 593 litre boot, the freetrack can carry everything needed for the entire family’s hobbies and leisure activities.

    The rear seats are exceptionally roomy and flexible, as they can slide back by up to 16 centimetres for added legroom while still allowing more than enough boot space.

    Multimedia system as standard

    The Altea freetrack will be sold with just one trim level featuring a complete set of standard equipment.

    The most outstanding feature is a new multimedia system, which comprises a 7-inch TFT screen hinged on the ceiling and an RCA connection that allows connection to a DVD player, videogames, laptops and even MP3 players. This way the sound is transmitted over the car’s own sound system.

    The Altea freetrack also features new rear window shades as standard, that are hidden inside the doors when not in use, leaving the view unobstructed for rear seat passengers.

    Further standard-fit elements on the Altea freetrack include dual climatise control, rain sensor wipers, light sensor, parking sensors, cruise control, trip computer, plus CD MP3 radio and steering wheel mounted controls, among others. Safety highlights include standard ESP (Electronic Stability Control), six airbags, EPS electro-mechanical steering and tyre pressure warning.

    Designed, developed and manufactured in Spain

    The new Altea freetrack has been wholly designed and developed at the SEAT Technical Centre in Martorell, where over 1,000 highly qualified staff work daily to develop new models.

    It will be exclusively made at the SEAT facilities in Martorell, one of Europe’s most modern and most flexible automotive factories, where the Ibiza, Córdoba, Altea, Altea XL, Toledo and León models are also produced.

  • JE Design Seat Leon Cupra

    2007 Je Design Seat Leon CupraFollowing modifications for the newly launched Leon FR, JE DESIGN German Leingarten tuners, well-known refiners for SEAT, now resolve to take on the Spanish in the completion of the „CUPRA”.

    While the “old” Seat Leon Cupra R (Typ 1M) has differed through its sporty and independent front and rear aprons from the Leon-vesions with less power, the new „CUPRA” threatens the driver into danger of confusion.

    The SEAT specialist JE DESIGN recognised this and offers help in form of an individualized grand entrance. Specially developed for the CUPRA from the Leingarten, Germany, based tuners, is a downforcer insert for the centre of the series-produced front apron and which at the same time minimizes buoyancy. The same function is fulfilled with a diffuser insert that is applied to the series-produced rear apron. More sportiness is procured through a new front grille minus Logo including grid insert. Headlight covers gives the Spanish car a serious glance.

    Sporty front spoiler corners complete with additional air channels provide the JE DESIGNed Leon CUPRA with more passing-lane prestige. The sides are optimised with a side sills set through JE DESIGN. The tuners create another attractive addition through the rear apron set. Last but not least a rear wing provides more downforce on the rear axle especially during higher speeds. Furthermore, a self-adhering JE DESIGN roof fin “Shark attack” is available in black matt.

    For an extra charge, JE DESIGN laminates individual parts for example the radiator grill or mirror cover in Carbon-Look.

    2007 Je Design Seat Leon Cupra
    2007 Je Design Seat Leon Cupra
    2007 Je Design Seat Leon Cupra

    Pure Performance!

    The core of modification is the performance increase of the 2.0 T-FSI Motor . Instead of just 177 kW (240 HP), it now renders an attention getting value of 210 kW (285 HP). The torque increases from 85 to 385 Nm. The change in motor management creates a better driving performance: 261 km/h top speed (series-produced: 247 km/h) and 5,9 seconds from 0 to 100 (series-produced: 6,4) placing pressure on many other sports cars. For that reason, JE DESIGN Leon „CUPRA” with its 250 km/h easily shakes off the electronic regular BMW M5 and Audi RS4. The power enhancement comes with TÜV parts endorsement. Included in the price is a 1-year guarantee on motor, transmission and gearbox. On request for additional price is the possibility to add a further year of guarantee.

    Whoever wants acustical improvement for their Leon CUPRA, can order a 4-pipe end exhaust made of stainless steel with chromed end pipes additionally. This promises not only a sonor sound, but also optimises the motor performance through optimized exhaust flow.

    JE DESIGN’s wheel expertise

    Four wheel sets are provided for customer choice. A highpoint offered in 18 and 19-inch is the complete wheel set „Multispoke” in chrome-look with the sizes of 8.0 x 19 ET 45 with tires 225/35 R 19 Y.

    Optionally, the complete wheel set „Multispoke” can be ordered in matt black with polished rim flange in dimensions 7.5 x 18″ ET 45 or 8 x 19″ ET 45.

    The Leon CUPRA of this press release – please take a look at the provided pictures (on CD) – rolls on wheel rims in sporty matt black with lacquered nearly complete white ring having a small gap tha includes the JE DESIGN logo.

    JE DESIGN concerns itself that the Seat Leon power doesn’t toss itself from the street. For this reason, a sporty spring set brings the Leon CUPRA approx. 30mm closer to the street, lowering the center of gravity for clearly improved handling and driving ability. Alternatively, the tuners offer a sportier driving performance through a coilover suspension that alters the fiery Spaniard providing a freedom from street between 35 and 65 mm.

    A further technical as well as optically pleasing configuration level of the CUPRA with over 300 HP in a wide body version is currently in preparation for a world exclusive presentation at the SEAT Event from 24 – 26 August 2007 at the Technik Museum in Speyer, Germany.

  • Oettinger A3 Sportback

    In the 60th. year since its Founding, the tuning house OETTINGER will be presenting in the coming days the new aerodynamic package for the Audi A3 Sportback. The complete package is sporty yet elegant and consists of a grille insert (in two versions – brushed aluminium or matt black, EUR 395.00), a complete front apron (EUR 695.00), sill extensions (Set: EUR 425.00), a rear skirt for all tailpipe variations (EUR 375.00) and a rear spoiler. All components are manufactured in RIM and demonstrate a perfect fit and an impressive OEM finish and quality.

    (more…)

  • Hamann Ferrari F430 Black Miracle

    hamann ferrari f430 black miracle frontThe Ferrari F430 already is a brilliant, eye-catching vehicle. The “look“ as well as engineering technology presents many similarities to motor sports racing. In the latter instance, most vehicles here feature a catchy paint finish in “warrior look”. HAMANN MOTORSPORT now offers the mid-engine Ferrari a special outstanding design that equally provides a racing car look standing out from the crowd. It’s called “Black Miracle“ and will be responsible for great deal of turned heads. (more…)

  • Audi TT Clubsport Quattro

    Every Audi TT is noted for its clear lines, unmistakable dynamism and the driving characteristics of a sports car. Audi now presents the TT in its most purist form: the clubsport quattro study.

    The Audi TT clubsport quattro study reduces the TT Roadster to a pure driving machine. A powerful engine, state-of-the-art technology and numerous traits borrowed from the world of motorsport are the dominant features of the TT clubsport quattro. (more…)

  • Nissan Lafesta

    Nissan LafestaNissan Motor Co., Ltd. today announced the nationwide sales release of the new Lafesta minivan in Japan. Lafesta, originally introduced in 2004, receives a number of significant refinements, including new grille, bumper and light designs; revised seat shape, seat fabric and gauge designs; and availability of an advanced HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system.

    The Lafesta model lineup has also been revised. The Highway Star model again provides customers with a more sporty derivative, while the Playful model has been discontinued.

    Easy to drive

    The new Lafesta continues to offer an easy-to-drive combination of agile maneuverability and superior outward visibility, as well as excellent acceleration, quietness and fuel economy.

    For those spending time in the city, Lafesta offers a class-leading 5.1-meter minimum turning radius and large windows that provide outstanding visibility to all corners of the vehicle.

    Also contributing to Lafesta’s reputation as one of the best-driving minivans on the market is its standard MR20DE 2.0-liter engine. Mated to the XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), Lafesta delivers class-leading*1 fuel economy, quick throttle response, smooth acceleration and quiet overall operation.

    A Refined exterior and high quality interior

    The new Lafesta’s exterior and interior enhancements have been designed with quality in mind.. On the outside, the grille, headlamps, front and rear bumpers and rear lamps have been redesigned, giving the standard models a more refined form, while the Highway Star model projects a crisper, sportier impression. An available panoramic glass roof*2, – measuring 1,500 mm in length and 800 mm in width – provides an open, airy feeling to the interior.

    The new Lafesta is offered in a selection of seven body colors, including four all-new: Champagne Topaz titanium metallic, Sapphire Blue pearl metallic, Cerulean Blue metallic and Blade Silver metallic.

    Inside, new seat fabric and other refinements give an upscale, modern feeling to the standard models and a sporty ambience to the Highway Star model. The redesigned seat shape, new seat and door trim fabric and increased head restraint size for the front and second-row seats add to Lafesta’s enhanced level of craftsmanship.

    Nissan Lafesta Interior

    Lafesta’s low instrument panel height and vehicle waistline combine with the large windows to provide a superb outward view from all seating positions. Silver-ringed gauges (with exclusive blue metallic-ringed gauges on the Highway Star) feature an elegant design and offer excellent legibility. Lafesta also adopts liquid-crystal-display odometer/twin trip meters showing real-time fuel consumption, average fuel consumption, range for remaining fuel and additional information. Nissan’s HDD-based CARWINGS navigation system, with improved functionality, operating ease and fundamental performance, is available as a factory-installed option.

    Nissan Lafesta
    Nissan Lafesta
    Nissan Lafesta
    Nissan Lafesta
    Nissan Lafesta
    Nissan Lafesta

  • Saab 9-3

    Inspired by the award-winning Aero X concept car, the new Saab 9-3 range will feature bold styling and cutting edge technology for greater driving appeal.With all-new front bodywork, ‘signature’ lighting, new door panels and rear styling features, the latest generation 9-3 acquires a more focused, assertive stance, reflecting the introduction of technical advances aimed at delivering an even more rewarding experience behind the wheel. (more…)